The new 314-room Country Hotel, which officially opened April 30, features 40 suites, swimming pool and fitness center. The opening of the hotel was accompanied by the addition of new food and beverage outlets, including the Doe's Eat Place restaurant, a regional favorite, and complete remodeling of the existing Rhythm Blues Hotel. Construction of a new, $4.5 million, 8-megawatt power plant is currently under way, with completion expected by early in the third quarter.

The expansion and improvements bring the total capital investments in the Coahoma, Miss., facility to approximately $100 million since the facility opened in 1994.

The new hotel features 40 executive suites overlooking the Mississippi River, all with Jacuzzi tubs; an indoor pool with Jacuzzi and a fitness center overlooking the pool; and upgraded in-room amenities in both the new hotel and the newly remodeled Rhythm Blues Hotel.

The all-new Doe's Eat Place restaurant is a name known throughout the southeastern United States. Doe's features a selection of steaks, and tamales and chili that have become famous for their quality and the generous portions.

The original Doe's Eat Place began in Greenville, Miss., not long after the turn of the century and since that time has become a Southern institution. Other food outlets include the completely remodeled Crossroads Buffet, an expanded room-service menu, the Hunters Steak House and the Riverview Cafe.

"The new hotel and improved amenities will create a more upscale facility," said Lady Luck President Alain Uboldi. "These additions and improvements will significantly add to the convenience and comfort of our guests. "We are creating a destination site that we expect will give our current guests the opportunity to spend more time with us, while attracting new guests as well. Our new, increased electrical capacity meets our current needs and provides additional power for potential future expansion."

The propertywide expansion and remodeling is a direct response to customer demand. "The demand for lodging is here," said Neal Miller, general manager of Lady Luck's Rhythm Blues and Country Casino complex. "Most every weekend, especially during special events, the existing hotel is operating at full capacity." Lady Luck's Rhythm Blues and Country Casino complex in Coahoma includes 50,000 square feet of gaming facilities, a 1,000-seat entertainment and special-events center, and twin movie theaters. The complex is located at the U.S. Route 49 Mississippi River bridge, across the river from Helena, Ark.

To celebrate the opening of the new facilities, Lady Luck is giving away a new Porsche Boxster every Friday in May and a new Dodge Club Cab pickup truck every Wednesday and Friday in June. Special entertainment has been scheduled in The Pavilion entertainment center, including Sawyer Brown and Waylon Jennings.